(715) 243-5252 |
Michael Gary Davis
May 4, 1942 – January 1, 2026
Michael Gary Davis, 83, passed away on January 1, 2026. Born in New Haven, Connecticut, Michael lived a life grounded in teaching, mentorship, service, and deep devotion to family.
For 30 years (1966–1996), Michael served the University of Wisconsin–River Falls as a professor, department chair, coach, and academic leader in the Health and Human Performance Department. Michael G. Davis, P.E.D., was more than an educator—he was a mentor who saw potential in others and created opportunities for students and colleagues to grow. Known for his innovative teaching and early use of technology, he took great pride in working closely with students, especially those as they prepared for advanced degrees. His expertise was strengthened during a sabbatical at the University of Minnesota Medical School in 1986.
Michael earned his bachelor’s degree from Southern Connecticut State College in 1964, a master’s degree in Physical Education from Penn State in 1966, and a P.E.D. from Indiana University in 1972—an academic foundation that guided his lifelong commitment to excellence, ethics, and mentorship.
Michael’s commitment to service extended beyond campus. He volunteered at the Free Clinic of Pierce and St. Croix Counties, quietly giving his time in support of community health and access to care.
Professionally, he served in leadership roles with the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD), including as CEO for 16 years, advocating throughout the country and internationally for quality physical education.
Above all, Michael’s greatest joy was his grandchildren. He was deeply involved in their lives and delighted in sharing their accomplishments—always with his signature wit and endless humor.
Michael is survived by his wife of 59 years, Lorraine; his son, Matthew; his brother, Barry (Gayle) Davis; his sister, Marilyn (Alvin) Meyers; grandchildren Viv “Bug” and Louie Davis; his sisters-in-law Ina (Irving) Rosenberg, Sandy (Rocky) Cohen-Wynn, many nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his son, Jeremy Davis; his parents, Paul and Regina Davis; and his sister, Donna (Robert) Weiser.
Services were held Sunday, January 4, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. at Beth Jacob Congregation, 1179 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, MN. Burial followed at Sons of Jacob Cemetery, St. Paul. Shiva was observed at the family’s home.
Memorials are preferred to the local food shelf and the Free Clinic of Pierce and St. Croix Counties.
16 Comments
The best my second father who brought out the best in my father.
Micheal was a friend and a mentor that I am proud to have had and will always have.
He lived a life of caring and sharing and practicing the Golden Rule .
With love forever to Sister Lorraine and the Davis family..
Thank you Uncle Mike for always being there for me. You may be gone from this earth but you will always remain in my heart.
In the obituary above, it says, “Michael G. Davis, P.E.D., was more than an educator—he was a mentor who saw potential in others and created opportunities for students and colleagues to grow.” I was one of Mike’s colleagues at UW-River Falls who benefited from his mentorship. Mike saw leadership abilities In me and gave me opportunities to develop those abilities. He was right there supporting me as I became Department Chair of Health & Human Performance, Interim Dean, and Interim Provost at UW-River Falls. I will forever be thankful for his mentoring and friendship. Goodbye, Mike, for now.
Another great human who was taken too early. I had the privilege of working for him during my 4 years at UWRF, sitting with his boys a few times, as well as helping with the swim team. A gentle soul. I’m sorry I didn’t arrange to see him after he moved back.
Mike was a great guy and a wealth of knowledge, loved visiting with him.
Our hearts are with family and friends as we mourn a River Falls legend.
Sending my love to you and the family Lorraine
Mike’s broad smile welcomed me to the campus, onto the racquetball court, to his seder table, and into his daily life. Thanks for your friendship and uncommon sense of humor. Rest in Peace. shalom, Bill
1
I met Mike when I was a junior faculty member at UWRF and he was our department chair. He had a lot of energy and he wanted the best for our department. He was ahead of his time when it came to computers – new on the scene in the early to mid 1980’s. He was a techie before it was cool to be one. He wanted the best for our students and our faculty . We were the first department on campus where each faculty member had their own personal computer. I have many Mike stories as we knew each other for a long time! He was a good friend, always offered another valuable and worthwhile perspective to any problem or issue, usually one you weren’t thinking about. He was quirky that way, and I mean quirky in a very positive way. Not to mention his crazy and fun sense of humor. I will miss him greatly. He was a compassionate and caring person and a true friend.
As a former student of Dr.Davis he was always encouraging even those of us who would sink like rocks in swim class. Always a smile . He was a great teacher.
Coach/Mike recruited me to come to UWRF to be a member of the swim team. He was a lot more to me and Ann than just swimming coach. Both Coach and Lorraine welcomed us into their home where we played with Matt and Jeremy and we would sit around the dinner table talking about life, school and anything else that would come up. Ann and I learned a lot from both Coach and Lorraine.
Of course you would always have to sit through Coach’s jokes, some of them were even funny. Coach was a great racquetball player too and I don’t think I ever beat him. I will always remember my swimming days with Coach. He was a great coach, a friend and someone I looked up to. Rest in peace Coach.
Mike and Ann Elling
I was so so blessed to work with Mike at UWRF athletics department and also had the opportunity to babysit for their kids. What a lovely family and meant the world to me to know this amazing special Davis family. All my love and many hugs….♥️😘🫶♥️
My sympathies to Mike’s family. He was instrumental in our son learning to swim, and we never forgot his kindness. What an asset he was to UW-RF, and to our city.
I am sorry to learn of Mike’s death. I remember him as always smiling, talking, interacting. He was a vibrant, vital presence among people – outgoing, interesting, and fun. I got to know him as a fellow attendee at the UW Faculty Development College in Marinette, WI in 1986. The long ride over and back was never dull – or quiet – with Mike in the van. It was always great to see him over our years together at UWRF. I was also sorry to learn of the death of his son, Jeremy, who I knew as part of the music scene in River Falls. My condolences to Lorraine and his family.
Lorraine: I just received news of Mike’s passing. I’m so sorry for you.
Thankfully you had many years together in your loving marriage.
Add Comment